our store has them in cups aswell. But atleast they are taken care of.. I have yet to see a dirty cup or a sick fish. When a fish becomes ill, its moved to the back & treated. Our store does everything to keep them healthy during their short stay (they sell fast at our location). Our store does tell customers that a 10 gallon is best for the little guys. There is a tank of ick covered Oscars & our store refuses to sell them & they are happly being treated & getting better. The poor things came in with ick.